The Portland daily press., 1887-10-10
MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE IDEALS

THE IDEALS.
The Ideal Opera Company presented
Balfe's Bohemian Girp' at the matinee Sat-
urday, and opened the Stockbridge course
inthe evening with "Adina," or "L,Elisir
dAmore." There was an audience of fair
proportions present in the afternoon, who
made up in enthusiasm what they lacked In
numbers, and very large audience in the
evening who made up in numbers what they
lacked in enthusiasm.
The Bohemian Grip was very well pre-
sented. 1t was prettily costumed and well
staged. There were less faults of memory
as regards the dialogue. and the choruses
were better than on Friday night. The hon.
ors of the afternoon belong to Miss Dudley
Campbell and Mr.. Clarke. Miss Campbell
made the best Gipsey Queen that has been
heard or seen for years in English opera.
Her rendering of her solo in the second act,
which created positive furore was more
like Annie Cary, in its artistic finish, its
dignity, its dramatic purpose, than any
other American contralto we can recall Her
voice is rich and of excellent compass, and
was also heard to great advantage through
out the opera. Her costume, as the Queen
was very rich and effective. Mr.. Clarke's
"Deyilshoof" was as thoroughly acted and
finely sung as his Sulpizio Of the evening
previous. In the dance with Miss Blake he
was encored, and of course he created the
usual amusement in the Counts palace He
was full of fire, spirit, and fun Miss Klein,
the secunda donna of the company, possesses
an agreeable soprano, and as Airline is en-
titled to praise. Mr.. Saxon's Count Arm
helm" gave satisfaction. His baritone is of
good quality and he sings with earnestness
ana considerable expression His Heart
Bowed Down was encored. A delightful
feature was the clarinet solo introducing
this popular air. Mr.. Modinps "ThaddeusS
The tenors of the company are not quite as
strong as they might be. Mr.. Bainbridge
was acceptable as "Florestine The
orchestra. was OF course, delightful fea-
ture.
"Adina, or the Elixir of Love" was one of
the successes of last season, and Mile. de
Lussan was as charming as ever in the title
role. Her song, Sweetheart" was delight
fully sung and was warmly encored. 1t
aroused the frigid audience to some idea of
what they were listening to. 1t seems as If
crowded audiences are lacking in the ability
to appreciate what is placed before the m
compared with smaller assemblies. Mr..
Herbert made very amusing "Or. Dalca-
ihdids MI. VAIN las tActlltnI as the ser
geant," Mr.. Baxter sang and acted Memo
rlno' better than he did Tonic Friday
night, and the other parts were well
taken. Inc ensembles at the close of the
hrst and second acts were admirably done,
but somehow the performance lacked SNAP.
The orchestra was fine and played the over
ture In great shape.
BENNETT MoULToN.
Bennett & Moulton closed their operatic
season at Portland Theatre Saturday night.
They gave "Pinafore" at the matinee. and
repeated Robert Macaire' in the evening.
The theatre was packed at both perform
ances. ''Pinafore proved one of the best
representations of the week. The solos,
concerted pieces and choruses were all well
given, and Mr.. Armand was especially
happy as Ralph Rackstraw. The evening
performance was even better than that Of
the first production of the opera Monday
night. Mr.. Beker has given the public
week OF good opera at popular prices, and
the public, as Portland public always
does, has discovered what good thing it
was and patroniZed it accordingly.
The public now await their old friends,
The Bostonians."
THE sTocKBRIDGE SUPPLEMENTARY.
Mr.. Ira G. Stockbridge has perfected his
plans for an extra course, which will follow
the popular Stockbridge course, and con-
sists of six entertainments. These are No.
l, the Bostonians; No. 2, the original Fiske
Jubilee Singers; No. 8, lecture by Rev.
Joseph Parker. ID. D., the eminent English
divine; No. 4, Sol Smith Russell iu his play.
"Bewitched"; No. 8, matinee by Jessie
Couthoui and other artists; No. 6, the Bos-
ton mariana Opera Company In III. M. S.
PinafOre. The sale of seats will begin at
Stockbridge's at o'clock tomorrow morn
ing.
Manager Knowlton will open the Park
Winter Garden, on October 18th, with the
Boston Ideal Specially Combination.
The Portland Amateurs are rehearsing
a.Boccaccio' and will produce 1t at Portland
Theatre later in the season
Mr.. w. p, Goss, first tenor: Mr.. C. j. Stet-
son, second tenor; Mr.. l.. K. Smith, bari
tone, and Mr.. w. c. Lambert, basso, form
the Portland Male Quartette.
The drama of Irene, the Huguenot," to be
played by the Redmund-Barry company at
Portland Theatre ON October 18th and 18th,
will he handsomely staged with new scenery
by .. l., Story, of Boston. with elaborate
and historic costumes designed by S. Cledat
de Lavigerie, of Paris. The ballet of Boz
hemian dancers will be under the direction
Of M. Novisimo, late ballet master of the
National Opera Company. ea